: My son served in the Gulf. In the last 2 years he has become sick, complaining of various ailments such as:: inability to think clearly, poor memory, being tired, gastrointestinal problems, aching joints, and a growth on his eyes. Memorial day l997, I believe he had a mental breakdown and since then he has lost everything he has, his job, girlfriend, truck, apartment and basicly has been homeless. He's paraniod, delussionl, volatile, aggressive and escalating. He never had a breakdown before, has always been healthy. He basicly does not make any sense and won't go to a doctor/psychiatrist, etc. He will not listen to me or the rest of his family. He's angry and unpredictable. At the moment he is in NYC. Can you tell me if you have heard of or known any sick Gulf Vet's that have had a psychiatric breakdown? If so, how did they get help?

He has to know that there is help out there through various VA agencies. It might help to know that as a gulf war vet he can probably get some type of disability if his problems can be linked to his service. GWV get priority if i remember correctly. call your nearest VA and get a disability application for him and maybe talk to a DAV councelor. somehow you have to get through to him. There are many gulf war vets with similar problems. good luck!